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Club Mandalay March 2026
Mar
14

Club Mandalay March 2026

Club Mandalay
Jazz & Ancestral Philippine Music at the I-Hotel

March 2026 Club Mandalay Promotional Postcard

Club Mandalay March 2026 Promotional Postcard Image

Club Mandalay is a monthly live music gathering at the International Hotel Manilatown Center — a space rooted in Manilatown’s history where sound becomes a way to remember, reconnect, and be together.

This special afternoon brings together two of Manilatown’s resident ensembles:

🎷 The Manilatown Jazz Ensemble: Sharing improvisations that reflect the diverse musical experience of San Francisco — music shaped by jazz, storytelling, and creative dialogue.

🥁 The Manilatown Ancestral Ensemble: Presenting pre-colonial Philippine music and dance traditions — including kulintang and indigenous movement — honoring cultural knowledge passed forward across generations.

Together, these ensembles embody a living bridge between contemporary expression and ancestral tradition. Jazz and indigenous sound meet not as opposites, but as continuations of one another — rooted in rhythm, listening, and community care.

Club Mandalay takes place in the very building that stands because of collective action. The original International Hotel was home to generations of Filipino and Chinese immigrant elders who were unjustly evicted in 1977 after years of resistance. Their struggle became a defining moment in Asian American civil rights history. Today, we gather in this rebuilt space not only to remember that fight, but to carry forward its spirit of solidarity, dignity, and perseverance through art.

At Club Mandalay, music is offered as more than performance. It is shared as:

  • Remembrance of those who came before us

  • Affirmation of belonging in the present

  • Inspiration to imagine a shared future shaped by perseverance, creativity, and collective responsibility for our common home

Rooted in the legacy of Manilatown and the I-Hotel, these gatherings welcome people of all backgrounds — whether you are a longtime community member, a neighbor, a visitor, or simply curious.

There is space here for you. All are welcome.

This event is free; donations are greatly appreciated in support of Manilatown’s community arts and cultural programs.

Come as you are.
Stay for the music.
Leave strengthened, connected, and inspired.

PLEASE REGISTER VIA EVENTBRITE

Club Mandalay is made possible by the generous support of the Asian Pacific Fund, San Francisco Grants for the Arts. San Francisco Arts Commission and the California Arts Council. For more information about Club Mandalay, the Manilatown Jazz Ensemble, or the Manilatown Heritage Foundation, please get in touch with us at: mhf@manilatown.org

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Inday Art Exhibition
Feb
28

Inday Art Exhibition

inday art exhibition opening reception

Get ready to celebrate Women's History Month with American-Filipina visual artists whose work celebrates cultural identity and community!

Art Exhibit from February 28 through March 31, 2026

Opening Event on Saturday, February 28th, Doors Open: 5PM / Program: 5:30PM
Special Performances: Manilatown Jazz Ensemble and Manilatown Ancestral Ensemble

Showcases Filipina visual artists whose work reflects diverse voices of the Filipina experience across generations, migration, identity, perseverance, and cultural pride.

Held in honor of Women’s History Month, amplifying the global call to celebrate women’s achievements while reflecting on the unique contributions of Filipina artists to cultural identity and social justice.

Please RSVP at Eventbrite

Featured Artists:

Frances Cachapero
Holly Calica
Maya Crolene
Jeanette Gandionco Lazam
Glady Lee
Caroline Ocampo
Annie Panlibutan
Maria Luisa Penaranda

Images (left to right): T’boli Trilogy: Roots; Going Against the Tide; Heart Ensemble; Mystery Woman; Manilatown Rising

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Club Mandalay
Dec
20

Club Mandalay

CLUB MANDALAY December 2025

Welcome to Club Mandalay, where the music is live, and the community is gathering!

Join us for another afternoon of non-stop fun at Club Mandalay! Get ready to smile, dance, and enjoy an unforgettable experience at the International Hotel Manilatown Center. This in-person event will bring together jazz music lovers and community enthusiasts from all around the Bay Area. With a vibrant atmosphere and a lineup of talented musicians, Club Mandalay promises to keep you grooving all afternoon. Don't miss out on this incredible afternoon of music, friends, and good vibes in the heart of San Francisco's Chinatown-North Beach district!

This month, we're excited to present two ensembles:

At 2 pm, our house band, the Manilatown Jazz Ensemble (AKA The Autonomous Region), will take the stage featuring Caroline Cabading on Vocals, Raymond Bambao on Bass, Harold Ohashi on Drums, and Chris Planas on guitar.

And don't go too far, because at 3 pm, Jibril’s Cool Jazz Combo will be joining us, featuring Jibril Alvarez on piano.

We hope to see you here at this FREE family-friendly event!

PLEASE REGISTER VIA EVENTBRITE

Club Mandalay is made possible by the generous support of San Francisco Grants for the Arts.

For more information about Club Mandalay, the Manilatown Jazz Ensemble or the Manilatown Heritage Foundation, please contact us at: mhf@manilatown.org

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Club  Mandalay November 2025
Nov
1

Club Mandalay November 2025

Please join us for another afternoon of non-stop fun at Club Mandalay! Get ready to smile, dance, and enjoy an unforgettable experience at the International Hotel Manilatown Center. This in-person event will bring together jazz music lovers and community enthusiasts from all around the Bay Area. With a vibrant atmosphere and a lineup of talented musicians, Club Mandalay promises to keep you grooving all afternoon. Don't miss out on this incredible afternoon of music, friends, and good vibes in the heart of San Francisco's Chinatown-North Beach district!

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August 4th Commemoration & Celebration
Aug
4

August 4th Commemoration & Celebration

August 4th Commemoration

AUGUST 4, 2025 Commemoration & Celebration

48th Anniversary of the 1977 I-Hotel Eviction
20th Anniversary of the Opening of the International Hotel Manilatown Center
Join us for a Full Day of Reflection, Storytelling & Community

Open House Schedule:

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Manilatown Archives Workshop

Explore rarely seen photographs, oral histories, and digital archives that preserve the heart of Historic Manilatown.

1:00 PM Film Screening: The Fall of the I-Hotel

The landmark 1983 documentary by Curtis Choy—remastered and lovingly subtitled by MHF in 2022—chronicles the eviction that galvanized a movement.

3:00 PM Film Screening: Rise of the I-Hotel

Produced in 2005 by the Manilatown Heritage Foundation, this film reflects on the decades-long fight for justice and the rebirth of the I-Hotel.

5:00 PM Sneak Preview: Manilatown Manang

Our latest work-in-progress documentary features activist Jeanette Lazam, who returned to live at the new International Hotel Senior Residences in 2022, nearly 40 years after the eviction.

6:00 PM Candlelight Vigil

Gather with us to honor the tenants of the original International Hotel and commemorate their legacy of resistance and community.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT VIA EVENTBRITE

The August 4th Commemoration is made possible in part by the generous support of San Francisco Grants for the Arts

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Club Mandalay june 2025
Jun
14

Club Mandalay june 2025

CLUB MANDALAY june 2025

Postcard for Club Mandalay June 14th

Postcard for Club Mandalay June 2025

Welcome to Club Mandalay, where the music is live and the community is gathering!

Join us for another afternoon of non-stop fun at Club Mandalay! Prepare, to smile, dance and enjoy an unforgettable experience at the International Hotel Manilatown Center. This in-person event will bring together jazz music lovers and community enthusiasts from all around the Bay Area. With a vibrant atmosphere and a lineup of talented musicians Club Mandalay promises to keep you grooving all afternoon. Don't miss out on this incredible afternoon of music, friends, and good vibes in the heart of San Francisco's Chinatown-North Beach district!

This month, we're excited to present two ensembles:

At 2pm the Manilatown Jazz Ensemble (AKA The Autonomous Region), will take the stage featuring Caroline Cabading on Vocals, Raymond Bambao on Bass, Harold Ohashi on Drums, Chris Planas on guitar and Roy Brown on piano.

And then, at 3 pm, please join Jibril Alvarez and Jibril's Cool Jazz Combo as they take the stage for a great, funky jazz set.

We hope to see you here at this FREE family-friendly event!

PLEASE REGISTER VIA EVENTBRITE

Club Mandalay is made possible by the generous support of the San Francisco Arts Commission, San Francisco Grants for the Arts, and the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workplace Development.

For more information about Club Mandalay, the Manilatown Jazz Ensemble or the Manilatown Heritage Foundation please contact us at: mhf@manilatown.org

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Club Mandalay May 2025
May
24

Club Mandalay May 2025

CLUB MANDALAY May 2025

Welcome to Club Mandalay, where the music is live and the community is gathering!

Join us for another afternoon of non-stop fun at Club Mandalay! Prepare, to smile, dance and enjoy an unforgettable experience at the International Hotel Manilatown Center. This in-person event will bring together jazz music lovers and community enthusiasts from all around the Bay Area. With a vibrant atmosphere and a lineup of talented musicians Club Mandalay promises to keep you grooving all afternoon. Don't miss out on this incredible afternoon of music, friends, and good vibes in the heart of San Francisco's Chinatown-North Beach district!

This month, we're excited to present two ensembles:

At 2pm the Manilatown Jazz Ensemble (AKA The Autonomous Region), will take the stage featuring Caroline Cabading on Vocals, Raymond Bambao on Bass, Harold Ohashi on Drums, Chris Planas on guitar, Socorro DeCastro on piano and Special Guest Soloist Melecio Magdaluyo!

And then at 3pm please join Jibril Alvarez and Jibril's Cool Jazz Combo when they take the stage for a great funky jazz set.

We hope to see you here at this FREE family-friendly event!

PLEASE REGISTER VIA EVENTBRITE

Club Mandalay is made possible from the generous support of the San Francisco Arts Commission, San Francisco Grants for the Arts, and San Francisco Office of Economic and Workplace Development.

For more information about Club Mandalay, the Manilatown Jazz Ensemble or the Manilatown Heritage Foundation please contact us at: mhf@manilatown.org

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Beginning Philippine Maranao Kulintang Music
May
10

Beginning Philippine Maranao Kulintang Music

BEGINNING philippine maranao kulintang

Get ready to experience the Philippine'’ powerful interlocking rhythms as Manilatown Academy teaches an intro to Maranao Kulintang Music

Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Philippine kulintang percussion as we explore the interlocking rhythms of the Maranao ethnolinguistic group. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this event is perfect for anyone interested in learning and appreciating the beauty of Philippine music. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with ancestral heritage and discover the power of percussion.

Let's make some music together!

PLEASE REGISTER VIA EVENTBRITE

Our Manilatown Ancestral program is made possible from the generous support of the Alliance for California Traditional Arts, San Francisco Arts Commission, the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workplace Development and Grants for the Arts.

For more information about Manilatown Academy, the Manilatown Ancestral program or the Manilatown Heritage Foundation please contact us at: mhf@manilatown.org

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Club Mandalay April 2025
Apr
19

Club Mandalay April 2025

Join us for another afternoon of non-stop fun at Club Mandalay! Get ready to smile, dance and enjoy an unforgettable experience at the International Hotel Manilatown Center. This in-person event will bring together jazz music lovers and community enthusiasts from all around the Bay Area. With a vibrant atmosphere and a lineup of talented musicians Club Mandalay promises to keep you grooving all afternoon. Don't miss out on this incredible afternoon of music, friends, and good vibes in the heart of San Francisco's Chinatown-North Beach district!

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Ilokano Culture
Apr
17

Ilokano Culture

Learn about the rich traditions, music, and cuisine of the Ilokano people. Connect with fellow enthusiasts and immerse yourself in the beauty of this vibrant culture with insightful discussions about the Ilokano heritage. Whether you're a proud Ilokano or simply curious about this fascinating culture, this course is perfect for anyone looking to learn, engage, and have fun!

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Beginning Ka'atung & Magasik
Apr
12

Beginning Ka'atung & Magasik

Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Philippine Teduray percussion as we explore the interlocking rhythms of the song Ka'atung. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this event is perfect for anyone interested in learning and appreciating the beauty of Philippine music. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with ancestral heritage and discover the power of percussion. And as a bonus, if attendees are interested, we can also explore the dance that Ka'atung accompanies: the Magasik social dance.

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Club Mandalay
Mar
15

Club Mandalay

CLUB MANDALAY march 2025

Welcome to Club Mandalay, where the music is live and the community is gathering!

Join us for another afternoon of non-stop fun at Club Mandalay! Get ready to smile, dance and enjoy an unforgettable experience at the International Hotel Manilatown Center. This in-person event will bring together jazz music lovers and community enthusiasts from all around the Bay Area. With a vibrant atmosphere and a lineup of talented musicians Club Mandalay promises to keep you grooving all afternoon. Don't miss out on this incredible afternoon of music, friends, and good vibes in the heart of San Francisco's Chinatown-North Beach district!

This month we're excited to present two music ensembles:

At 2pm the Manilatown Jazz Ensemble (AKA The Autonomous Region), will take the stage featuring Caroline Cabading on Vocals, Raymond Bambao on Bass, Harold Ohashi on Drums, Chris Planas on guitar, Roy Brown on piano and Special Guest Soloist Melecio Magdaluyo!

And then at 3pm please join Jibril Alvarez and Jibril's cool Jazz Combo when they take the stage with a funky jazz set.

We hope to see you here at this FREE family-friendly event!

PLEASE REGISTER VIA EVENTBRITE

Club Mandalay is made possible from the generous support of the San Francisco Arts Commission, San Francisco Grants for the Arts, and San Francisco Office of Economic and Workplace Development.

For more information about Club Mandalay, the Manilatown Jazz Ensemble or the Manilatown Heritage Foundation please contact us at: mhf@manilatown.org

View Event →
Club Mandalay
Feb
22

Club Mandalay

CLUB MANDALAY FEBruary 2025

Welcome to Club Mandalay, where the music is live and the community is gathering!

Join us for another afternoon of non-stop fun at Club Mandalay! Get ready to smile, dance and enjoy an unforgettable experience at the International Hotel Manilatown Center. This in-person event will bring together jazz music lovers and community enthusiasts from all around the Bay Area. With a vibrant atmosphere and a lineup of talented musicians Club Mandalay promises to keep you grooving all afternoon. Don't miss out on this incredible afternoon of music, friends, and good vibes in the heart of San Francisco's Chinatown-North Beach district!

This month we're excited to present two music ensembles:

At 2pm the Manilatown Jazz Ensemble (AKA The Autonomous Region), will take the stage featuring Caroline Cabading on Vocals, Raymond Bambao on Bass, Harold Ohashi on Drums, Chris Planas on guitar and Roy Brown on piano!

And then at 3pm please join Jibril Alvarez and Jibril's cool Jazz Combo when theyt take the stage.

We hope to see you here at this FREE family-friendly event!

PLEASE REGISTER VIA EVENTBRITE

Club Mandalay is made possible from the generous support of the San Francisco Arts Commission, San Francisco Grants for the Arts, and San Francisco Office of Economic and Workplace Development.

For more information about Club Mandalay, the Manilatown Jazz Ensemble or the Manilatown Heritage Foundation please contact us at: mhf@manilatown.org

View Event →
Beginning Kalinga Percussion
Feb
15

Beginning Kalinga Percussion

Manilatown Academy invites you to a Manilatown Ancestral hands-on beginners workshop on pre-colonial Philippine music and dance at the International Hotel Manilatown Center!

Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Philippine Kalinga percussion as we explore the interlocking rhythms of the bamboo and metal gongs. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this event is perfect for anyone interested in learning and appreciating the beauty of Philippine pre-colonial music. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with ancestral heritage and discover the power of percussion.

Let's make some music together!

View Event →